When the first Wicked movie premiered a year ago this month, it was everything fans had been waiting for — a larger-than-life cast bringing Oz to the screen in a way only Wicked could.
This year, Wicked: For Good, the final installment, made a truly spellbinding splash in NYC. For more than two decades, Wicked the Musical has been more than a story—it’s been a phenomenon, touching audiences and cast members alike with its message of friendship, courage, and defying expectations. And when Wicked: For Good, the second installment in the NBCUniversal movie series, premiered at Lincoln Center, the excitement was palpable from the moment they began constructing the circular structure that would become the red carpet.
The Wicked: For Good Premiere at Lincoln Center
Lincoln Center was the epicenter of it all. Fans lined the streets for a glimpse of the cast, eagerly waving and cheering as Ariana Grande, Jonathan, Cynthia Erivo, and the rest of the star-studded ensemble stepped onto the carpet. The excitement was electric, a mix of anticipation, adoration, and pure joy that perfectly captured the cultural phenomenon that Wicked: For Good has become.
The premiere wasn’t just an event—it became a full-city celebration, and we were right in the middle of it. Fans and celebrities arrived in their most Oztastic gowns and outfits, joined by the immeasurable cast whose presence made the night feel truly magical. The energy, the fashion, the emotion—every moment was a testament to how deeply this story continues to resonate and how spectacularly it has come to life on screen. It was the hottest ticket in town, and we were lucky enough to experience it.
I spent two weeks thinking about what I was going to wear and finally landed on the perfect outfit from Canvas NYC, paired with flawless nails by Gel Me in the Upper East Side, and the perfect blowout with a green bow from RPZL. Let’s just say: NBCUniversal knows how to throw a party, and stepping into the premiere felt like stepping into the heart of Oz itself.
Throughout the various spaces, there were so many incredible installations, including the film’s stunning costumes on display inside the main theater of Lincoln Center. Celebrities mingled with guests, adding to the lively, celebratory atmosphere. When we finally took our seats, we were treated to an amazing balcony view of the entire cast entering and speaking to the thrilled audience. Watching the movie from above, we even caught a glimpse of Jeff Goldblum watching himself alongside his fellow actors—it was such an epic experience, combining the magic of the film with the excitement of seeing it shared in real time.
Afterwards, guests were able to step onto the “Yellow” carpet and capture amazing photos, including inside Glinda’s iconic bubble and other whimsical Oz-inspired installations. The interactive displays made for unforgettable photo opportunities, letting fans fully immerse themselves in the magic of Wicked: For Good.
In true Wicked fashion, Wicked For Good was not just celebrated in “One Short Day. NBC and Universal Pictures put on quite the dazzling pink and green show around the city.
Rockefeller Center
For a week in November, Rockefeller Center transformed into the Emerald City in partnership with Universal Pictures, filling every corner with magic inspired by the film. From stepping onto The Beam for our exclusive Wicked photo passes—where we proudly became that crowd singing our hearts out to Defy Gravity—to seeing Elphaba and Glinda’s original on-screen costumes up close, every moment felt surreal. Even the ice rink glowed pink and green during the Wicked Skate Nights, while families explored LEGO installations, themed activities, and limited-time experiences that brought Oz to life. We walked away with the coolest photos, incredible memories, and the feeling that the entire city had jumped on the broomstick with us.
Screenings that Defied Expectations
We were lucky to attend multiple special screenings of Wicked: For Good, including an early showing at the historic and intimate Roxy Cinema, where the film’s costumes were on display. After a reception featuring cocktails from the special Absolut Wicked bottle, we had a backstage talk with designer Paul Tazewell. We also joined a SAG-AFTRA screening alongside Cynthia Erivo’s peers, where she spoke in depth to the crowd about her journey bringing Elphaba to life. All around the city, private and public screenings defied gravity, while fans celebrated with themed merchandise, including AMC’s Emerald City popcorn bucket, Glinda and Elphaba light-up cups, Cinemark’s XL buckets and tumblers, and Regal’s music-box popcorn tins and collector combos, making the experience truly magical.
“Wicked: For Good, the Soundtrack Pop-Up”
We skipped down the Yellow Brick Road straight into Penn Plaza, where the Wicked: For Good pop-up turned the space into an immersive Oz wonderland. The walls were lined with stunning vinyls that caught the eye, while rare collectibles and film props—like the Grimmerie spellbook and Glinda’s wand—added a touch of magic for fans. The pop-up also celebrated the launch of UMusic Shop NY, a new space from Universal Music Group blending music, design, and interactive experiences. With vibrant green-and-pink decor, photo opportunities, and exclusive merchandise, the experience was a whimsical, must-see celebration of the world of Oz.
Wicked: One Wonderful Night Two-Hour Musical Special
While not in NYC, we could watch it from the comfort of our homes. NBC and Universal Pictures presented Wicked: One Wonderful Night, a two-hour musical special that aired Nov. 6 on NBC and streamed the next day on Peacock, featuring a world-premiere clip and sneak peeks of songs from Wicked: For Good, the epic conclusion to the global cinematic sensation. Announced during NBCUniversal’s May Upfront presentation, the event pulled back the Emerald Curtain for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the film’s upcoming release on Nov. 21 and starred three-time Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo and Academy Award® nominee Ariana Grande, who led electrifying performances alongside co-stars Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode. Filmed at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the special transformed the venue into an Emerald City-inspired set with a 37-piece live orchestra conducted by Stephen Oremus, reimagined dance numbers choreographed by Christopher Scott, cast interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, exclusive surprises, and appearances by director Jon M. Chu, composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz, and other special guests. The broadcast debuted premiere clips from Wicked: For Good, including two new original songs by Schwartz, and offered fans their first chance to hear additional music from the film. Wicked: One Wonderful Night was produced by Fulwell Entertainment, with Ben Winston and Raj Kapoor serving as executive producers.
Courtesy of NBC Universal website
